Quarterly Magazine with a focus on current affairs in the Winnipeg, Manitoba Black and Caribbean communities. It highlights what community members are engaged in, the issues they are concerned about and how they are integrating and making Winnipeg a better place for everyone.
Contact:- 8860008073 Call Girls in Karnal Escort Service Available at Afforda...
Global eyes magazine december 2010a
1. global eyes Magazine
volume 5 no. 4 December 2010
Truth and
Reconciliation
p8
What is
Synesthesia?p9
Role of the
Artist p7
Human Rights
Awards
Gloria
Steinem p21
Habare Gani
Happy Kwanzaa
Happy Hanukkah
Happy Christmas
Season’s greetings to
one and all
2. Inside Global Eyes Star Columnists
GLOBAL in service to the community Zizi
Zizi did not sit for long in
EYES Portage Place when a young
white woman sporting dread
locks that looked like matted
paddy bag twine, friendly but a
MAGAZINE little spaced out asked if she
could share a table with her.
Global Eyes Magazine aims at promoting cultural diversity Sure, please, have a seat
with particular focus on Black and Caribbean cultural identities Thanks.
to create greater understanding between these cultures and There was a moment of
the larger cultural communities.
awkward quiet.
“You don’t look like you’re from
Global Eyes Magazine is published four times a year by
around here” the woman said
Global Eyes Publishing , 671 Rathgar Avenue, Winnipeg,
“Well… I’m from the
Manitoba, R3L 1G6, Canada.
Neil Pitamber - p Caribbean”
It is prepared under the direction of an Editorial Committee.
“No, no she laughed, I didn’t mean
Subscription is available for $15.00 a year. Each issue will
it like that. That’s rude, I meant, I
be delivered to your door. wondered if you were from
Global Eyes Magazine welcomes news, letters, art and downtown or the burbs. I haven’t
freelance articles of interest. seen you before and I’m a
Payments can be made in either Canadian or American downtown rat. I’m always hanging
funds payable to Global Eyes Magazine around looking for dope or doing
671 Rathgar Avenue some cooking in my friend’s
Winnipeg, Manitoba apartment”, giggled
R3L 1G6 Zizi shrugged her shoulders.
email: globaleyes@mts.net “People always ask me where I’m
from, I just thought...”
Editor: Beatrice Watson “People are stupid and racist too.
Contributors: Neil Pitumbar, Caribbean Shield Robin Dwarka - Sorry to ask but can you buy me a
cup of coffee?
Robin Dwarka, Community Vibes
“Sure” Zizi felt her pocket and
Lara Badmus, LLB fished out a fiver “Buy yourself
Buddy Small something to eat too”
Narine Datt ‘Thanks man, I miss the guards by
Beatrice Watson that much” she marked a first joint
of her baby finger. They watch me
Publisher: Global Eyes Publishing like hound dogs. They’d come up
Since 1990 to you and pretend their important –
No loitering, you have to keep
Subscription Form: Lara Badmus, LLB moving”
“So, what’s your name?”
Name: “On the street I’m know as Boopy,
Address: I like Betty Boop and you?
“Ah, they call me Calamity Jane –
Postal Code: I’m always in a fix somewhere”
Telephone: “Boopy and Calamity Jane.
We’re a great pair. Nice
($___________) meeting you
Narine Datt, Contributor CJ, hey that works huh, CJ.”
Email:
p “I like that.”
Thank You.
2 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
3. Editorial - Take One their children to see Santa Claus and spending money on
It’s the holiday season, its Christmas and
Hanukkah and somewhere there might be a gifts and presents for their children and friends.
Muslim holiday as well. Christmas parties Christmas for many has lost its real significance and come
now called holiday get togethers are to be seen as as a celebration of gift-giving, shopping and
everywhere. We all know what we are sharing of foods. It is more material than spiritual.
celebrating but no one names the spade. It’s time we stop the madness of commercial spending
As the saying goes, we have to fake it until we make it. We racking up debt that leaves many scratching their heads in
are learning quickly in Canada that the workplace culture has January. We need to bring the spirit back into Christmas.
changed as the face of the workforce changes. I remember a time when Christmas was in addition to
Canadians ought to be commended for being such an eating, drinking and spending tons of money, it was about
accommodating society. By acknowledging our differences and going to church and sharing food and baking with
appreciating our multicultural, pluralistic society, newcomers and neighbours and friends and making handmade gifts that
immigrants quickly develop a sense of belonging and feel they were personal, thoughtful and simple that did not break the
have permission to celebrate and promote their cultural heritage. bank. When did we start to compete to buy or give the
Even though we practice cultural sensitivity in the most expensive gifts, gifts that many cannot afford but
workplace, many immigrants from various religious borrow money to keep up with the Joneses? Is it any
backgrounds and even atheists celebrate Christmas or Xmas wonder that people have become to dread this special
as a holiday. Many share in the excitement of shopping, taking holiday?
Dr. Gonsalves Leads ULP to Victory
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has led the Unity Labour
Party (ULP) to victory for the third time in St.
Vincent and the Grenadines although by a slim
majority according to the advance polls. The
ULP beat out the New Democratic Party led
by Arnhim Eustace whose party has doubled
its winning over the previous election from three
to seven in this election.
In Winnipeg, Cde Wade Kojo Williams originally
from St. Vincent has fostered community’s
interest in the election by posting frequest
updates about it.
Barbados shines again
The International Watchdog Transparency International
has given Barbados top marks for the country perceived to
be the least corrupt in Latin America/Caribbean nations
and was named second to Canada as the most transparent
democracy in the Americas with Chile coming in 3rd and
the United States 4th. Somalia is listed as the most corrupt
nation in the world with Haiti close behind. Barbados
continues to be an example for other Caribbean nations
and proof that fledgling democracies can and does work
when leaders put the needs of the people over their own
hunger for power. Research shows that when people
perceive their political leaders to be honest and operate in
good faith for the good of the country people work harder
and are happier even in poverty.
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010 3
4. Global Briefs
Winesto Films Won Human Rights Award
Congratulations to the
Young People for their plays and programs that address
winners of 2010 Human
difficult issues such as racism, homophobia and disability.
Rights Commitment
The Sybil Shack Award for young people who have
Awards and the Sybil
promoted human rights in the community went to: Manitoba
Shack Youth Award.
Voices for Youth in Care for their Free Hugs Day. A pow-
This year’s winners
erful video developed and produced by the youths in care on
included Winston Moxam
Free Hugs Day was shown and impressed everyone.
and Ernesto Griffith of
This year the organizers, Canadian Human Rights Com-
Winesto Films for the
mission, Manitoba Human Rights Commission and Mani-
magnificent film Billy,
toba Association of Rights and Liberties, decided to honour
based on the life of Billy
people and organizations in the Arts industry who work to
Beale a pioneering story
promote human rights.
about a Black man’s
The Awards presentation reception was held in the
struggle to fit in to a little
evening at the Legislative Building
northern community Swan
River. The film is technically flawless and the story
relevant. It is about Billy Beale who persisted in spite of
the racism he encountered to become the go-to guy in that
little town, uncovering secrets of residential school sexual
abuse of Aboriginal children, becoming the town’s photog-
rapher, engineer, medical consultant and social activist
Unfortunately Moxam could not attend in person due to
ill health but Ernesto who played Billy, and his family
ncluding his wife and two children and his parents repre-
sented the company.
Winesto shared the winning prize with an equally
Jerry Woods, MHRC Chair, Leslee Silverman, MTYP, Denise
deserving organization, MYTP - Manitoba Theatre for Lysak, Sherri Helgason, Dir. CHRC
Lily
Rosenberg,
CHRC,
Dianna
Scarth, E.D
MHRC
Malcolm Christian, Kordell Christian, Jasmine Cowley
Marceline N and
Wanda Y - MIIC “A century that began with children
having virtually no rights is ending
with children having the most
powerful legal instrument that not
only recognizes but protects their
human rights.”
— Carol Bellamy Jean Mr. & Mrs. Griffiths Cindy Mordoch, Dir. MARL
4 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
5. Regulars
Letter to my Daughter
My dear daughter
It’s Christmas time again and the Christmas carols are My folks were ordinary farm folks but we had plenty.
ringing out through the radio stations, in the mall, Almost everyone in the village was a family member or a
everywhere I go and you know how that grabs my family friend .Christmas for me was about eating, drinking
heart. It takes me back to a nice warm place of and being merry. It was the time little children were allowed
yesteryear. It seems so far away and at times feels like a taste of alcohol, real alcohol, not the fermented jamoon
yesterday when I was ran around my village dreaming wine every child made to share with their friends for
of a trip to the city to see Father Christmas. It was a Christmas. We competed to make the strongest wine.
big thing to see this white man with long white beard I went from aunt to uncle, to cousins to godparents and
and a big tummy. It made every little boy and girl’s neighbours’ houses and no one would hear any nonsense
Christmas special. It did not matter if you were Hindu, about being full; there was always room for more. To refuse
Muslim, Christian or Buddhist, Christmas, it seems food is to insult the giver and no child wanted to be rude at
was something special for everyone. My mom would Christmas. The highlight of the day was the five or ten cents
share her secret black cake recipe with our two Hindu that would be pressed into our hands by adults. Twenty-
neighbours as they discussed cleaning dates to get rid five cents would be huge, it meant that during the year you
of year old cobwebs and dusts, varnish old furniture or were a “willing” child i.e. cheerfully going on errands and
slap another coat of paint on the interior of the house, helping out older folks with doing little chores. A dollar bill
repair old furniture. People spoke about these things sent you flying high; usually I got dollar bills from my
with contagious excitement. Of course no house would godparents.
be complete without a Christmas tree. Those were the These memories have lived with me throughout the
colonial days and the mentality of my parents’ years and nothing can shake them not when I hear carols
generation was a little different from today’s like “White Christmas” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
generation. They reflected the British vision of or “Mary’s Boy Child” I become a child all over again.
Christmas. Even though none of them had ever seen or Love, mom.
touched snow, Christmas trees and cotton imported
from abroad were ever present.
Global Counsellor
I am a 26 year old man from East India. Specifically, supposed to be free and equal in rights and dignity. I love
I am from Madras and even though I am a refined this Brahmin woman and she loves me, I want to marry
cosmopolitan gentleman, unfortunately, I am from the her but she does not want to marry me without her
wrong side of the caste system in India that nothing I parents’ blessings. I have been waiting for a year for that
can do in this mortal life will change the traditional blessing but every time I meet her parents the encounter
Indian’s view of me. The problem is I am in love, ends badly because I call a spade a spade and tell them
deeply in love with a woman from a so-called higher what racist pigs they are and do not deserve to live in a
caste – Brahmin. She is no match for me intellectually decent country like Canada. I think I’ve had enough and
or materially but she has something going for her – the am ready to move on without the woman I love, hoping
privilege of being born into a caste that the community there will be someone else out there who can take my
holds as special and better than others, and deserving mind off of her. She cries and cajoles me to wait one more
of privileges in Indian society that is not readily month, two more months and nothing changes. Her family
available to people like me who come from a so-called keeps bringing Brahmin men to court her but she refuses.
lower caste. I can go into the foolishness of the caste Why is love so blind and so stubborn? Why can’t I get
system but that would take a paper. Anyway it is a her out of my mind and my system? I am tired of the pain
form of discrimination in my home country which is of disappointment. How do I stop myself, how do I move
affecting me even here in Canada where we are on because this is not working.
Tired
cont’d on p8
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010 5
6. In Your Back Yard
Intermedia Artist on the Rise - Robin Dwarka
What happens when a couple of young two-person play starring Lorraine
artists become frustrated with the shortage James and Kim Zeglinski and one
of opportunities for them to showcase their of the characters is a professor
art in Manitoba? If you’re Thembani and graduate advisor at McGill
Mdluli, known as MDLULI, you form your University.
own creative business and take matters into CV is looking to the
your own hands. production of Not An Interview to
House of MDLULI Creative present another opportunity to the
Strategy is the brainchild of MDLULI. wider community to raise
and Julianne S. “It’s difficult to find awareness of Black History
appreciation for the arts in mainstream Month as well as raising the
society. You need to have an ‘in’ – profile of up and coming artists
know people who know people” says and CV. “Thembani is a brilliant,
MDLULI. The company is taking detailed and astute young
shape and should be up and running professional. The type that should
fully early in 2011. be embraced by her colleagues
One of House of MDLULI’s goals and the older guards. Community
is to make the mainstream audience Vibes is happy about our
more accessible to artists. It will also partnership with MDLULI. as we
hopefully open up avenues for other arts have no doubt about her passion,
endeavours such as making movies and gifts and road to success,” says
intermedia projects. Osiname.
MDLULI’s heritage is a mix of Filipino, Swazi, Zulu, MDLULI. is happy to have this opportunity as it allows
Spanish and Chinese and was born and raised in her to be involved in all facets of a production from writing
Winnipeg. She has studied at the Universities of Victoria and directing to production management including hiring the
and Winnipeg, Red River College and spent a brief stint actors and developing communication strategies and fund
at the University of Bonn in Germany. She’s now back in raising. She hopes that all of the participants involved will not
Winnipeg and hopes to finish her degree in film making only get a boost to their portfolios but be one step closer to
shortly but her studies have taken a bit of a back seat for expressing themselves and exploring their voices as artists.
the next few months as she writes and directs a play This play is one of many projects that MDLULI is
commissioned by Community Vibes (CV) for Black working on. There’s her degree to finish, scripts to write,
History Month in February, 2011. movies to develop as well as collaborating on an interactive
MDLULI first volunteered with CV as the dramaturg component for a website that houses a database of female-
for the 2010 Black History Month production of Through oriented organizations. She’s also working on a music video
My Father’s Eyes. Troy Osiname, President of CV was for local singer/song writer, Flo. Sadly, like many other artists
so impressed with MDLULI. that he invited her to create who are driven to follow their passion, MDLULI. will have to
a production for 2011. Chatting over dinner one night leave Winnipeg to grow. “Winnipeg is great because it
with some members of CV, the first ideas for Not An prepares your for making contacts and writing grants, etc. but
Interview started emerging. “I can tell you what the play you hit a glass ceiling fairly quickly. But it’s also the type of
is about today but it will likely change again before it city that it’s good to come back to.”
makes it to the stage” says MDLULI. about the creative Not An Interview runs from February 24 to 26, 2011
twists and turns that the play has taken since that night. at the Colin Jackson Theatre. Check the CV site at
What we do know for sure is that the production is a communityvibes.ca for more information.
Robin Dwarka is an active member
New Business Quotables
and volunteer of the
- St. Boniface Pharmacy - Owner: Laurette Boktor So long as we have Caribbean commu-
315 Kenny Street enough people in this nity, a steelband
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 pm Mon - Fri, Sats. 10-4; country willing to fight player, Community
for their rights, we’ll be Vibes Board member
Sun. Closed. Phone: 415-4881 Fax: 415-3760 and Civil Servant.
called a democracy.
Free delivery, seniors discount. Guaranteed excel- — Roger Nash Baldwin She’s also a Human
lent culturally sensitive service. Call today Rights Commissioner.
6 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
7. Shining Examples
The Role of the Artist as Winnipeg Guyanese historic win in
an Intellectual Elections
Wednesday Oct. 27th, 2010
The Eighth Lecture Series sponsored by the Global College will be a day that newly elected
and the Umunna (Igbo) Winnipeg School Trustee (Seven
Cultural Association of Oaks School Division) Derek
Manitoba, Inc. attracted Dabee, and his fellow will never
many participants forever remember.
including artists, who
A long-time community
came to hear
advocate and volunteer, results of
guestspeaker, Dr.
Derek Dabee’s leadership and hard include the building of
Iyorwuese Hagher,
speak about the artist’s two community centers, several tennis courts, two cricket
role in society. fields, a hockey rink and basketball courts.
Held in the Eckhart With encouragement from Kamta Roy Singh, President
Grammate Hall, of the Guyanese Association, and other community leaders,
University of Winnipeg, Mr. Dabee decided to compete for a seat on Seven Oaks
the former Drama School Board and won beating out three other candidates
Professor and current High Commissioner of Canada, Dr. and made history as the first West Indian to be elected on
Hagher, in dramatic style, unveiled a photograph of two Inuit a Manitoba School Board.
throat singers from Dawson City projected on a screen from Derek Dabee grew up in Vigilance, East Coast
an overhead projector, began by acknowledging the strong Demerara, Guyana. He attended Friendship Government School,
sentiments the image evoked in him and expressed his high Central Demerara and Hindu College. Derek studied at both the
regard for the Indigenous people whom he described as the Universities of Manitoba and Winnipeg.
respiratory system of Canada. He dedicated his lecture to the Married to married Sandy Dabee, they have two grown children.
throat singers in Iqaluit. Always active in politics in Winnipeg, Derek had an
Dr. Hagher admitted that he identified with the role of artist unsuccessful run for a seat in the Manitoba Provincial
more than his other roles in life. Legislature in 2006.
“The intellectual searches for truth diligently and the artist Derek Dabee, along with the nine member Seven Oaks
as an intellectual speaks truth in a such a sweet manner that Board of Trustees will govern the fastest growing School
enables people to respond to such truths more easily” he said District in the province with a budget 102 million dollars.
and gave an example of how, as Minister of State for Health, On election night, Derek’s campaign manager and
he used art to raise awareness of the HIV and the AIDS virus prominent businessman Kamta Roy Singh said “Derek
more effectively than any medical professional could. Dabee’s dedication to community services and his election is a
For those in the room who were expecting a definition of art,
big win for Winnipeg.”
Dr. Hagher said “I refuse to define art for artists. To define
art is to put handcuffs on the artist. It is easier to experience
art than to describe it.” The artist’s engagement in the public domain through
Art is historic and has been used in all aspects of human life cultural products such as books, speeches and visual art is
from birth to death in both happy and sad ceremonies. Art the driving force for progress in society. “We would not
communicates knowledge and the artist becomes the shaman have enjoyed the best civilization that the world has ever
seen to have powers to control nature’s capricious forces e.g known, without artists,” he said adding, no culture can
weather, health and harvest. Artists invested with ubiquitous survive without intellectuals. He noted that the western
powers as priests, oracle, philosopher deities, Dr. Hagher said. civilization flourished because of intellectuals such as
“Art is the gatekeeper of the collective conscience. The artist’s Plato, Socrates, and Hegel.
dual role, then, is being an artist and the public conscience and that Dr. Hagher, argued that all art is political and those
is its defining role in the community.” Dr. Hagher said. artists who refuse to get involved in political activity were
“When an artist allows an idea to escape that idea escapes and called bohemian and relegated to the poorest in society
gets into the public domain where it redefines society whether the with no status.
work is publicly exhibited or not.” He said, society produces the context and the
Art is public bound for intentional action. The intellectual is conditions for the work of art to be produced. Art projects
engaged in the application of his intellect to solve environmental back to the base a reality never comprehended in such a
problems by stimulating action through reason while the artist way before. Art is not merely a mirror it redefines reality
stimulates reason with emotions, said Dr. Hagher. continued on p8
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010 7
8. Narratives of Forgiveness and Healing
“Forgiveness is a journey of healing after mass
atrocities” said Dr Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, who
presented the Eight Annual Sol Kanee Lecture at the
University of Manitoba campus on September 29, 2010.
The Sol Kanee Lecture Series was named after Mr. Sol
Kanee (1909-2007) Melville Saskatchewan for his
unparalleled local, national and international service that
helped bridge gaps between peoples and generations.
Coordinator of the Human Rights Violation of South
African’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Dr.
Gobodo-Madzikizela was privy to private encounters
between perpetrators of gross human rights violations and
their victims. “There is a growing interest in truth and
reconciliation; forgiveness became acceptable in societies
coming out of mass atrocities” she said.
The debate about Hannah Arendt’s argument in her essay
on “Human Condition” which purports that some acts are
unforgivable and for which there can be no apology, needs
rethinking in the wake of the stories of forgiveness in
South Africa and Rwanda .
cont’d on p22
Dear Tired, Globalcounselor cont’d from p5
Unfortunately many do not see the inconsistency of
maintaining antiquated discriminatory ideas while at the they say in the Twelve Step program you have to let go
same time trying to create an equitable world for and let God. Love is compassion and perhaps out of
themselves in a new world. We all carry viruses of the compassion for this woman you have to walk away and
mind. Some of our values make no logical sense but yet let her be free to follow her path or to learn from the
follow them unthinkingly. We do that because someone experience of loss. Release yourself from the bondage
benefits and someone loses on account of it. The and smell the sweet air of freedom then everything will fall
Brahmins benefit from certain unearned privileges that into its rightful place. Sorry, this is much longer than
those from other cases do not enjoy based on superficial necessary but through its ramblings I hope you find some
and simplistic ideas of hierarchy of the human spirit. It is redeeming grace.
hurtful and damaging to all who are infected with false Art continued from p7
dichotomies. In Canada those lines don’t mean a thing as acceptable or unacceptable. It defines human condition
and people suffer badly because in this land the lowest within a specific time and space continuum. “The power of
caste can rise to the top and be anything he or she wants art is enormous,” he stated.
to be and may even hire a Brahmin person to work as his Dr. Hagher noted that Allan Greenspan, Chair of the
or her servant. American Federal Reserve was alarmed with the state of
To answer your question, which is very important in the world economy and said that there is need for true
today’s world, because we attach so much importance to leadership. The artist can provide the true leadership Mr.
romantic love the flames of which quickly die like the heat Greenspan talked about.
of burning newspapers. “Live free of love, for its very Dr.
peace is anguish; its beginning is pain, its end is death. Hagher
Quote by Baha’u’llah in Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, receives a
p 42. The kind of love you are experiencing is the killing token of
kind, release it and let the Universal spirit work through apprecia-
your life. Only when a door is closed do we see tion from
opportunities for escape through windows and other the com-
doors. Love as you described it is an addiction. And as munity
8 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
9. DEMONS IN MY VIEW - Experiencing psychedelic colours without drugs
Have you ever heard of synesthesia? It is discourages me; our Caribbean culture does not so
estimated that 1 in 23 people understand of these kinds of things.
may experience at least one of I see Carnival as one the
its 60 possible forms, and greatest examples of synesthesia.
combinations between two or The creations of the great Peter
more of these forms are not Minshall; a man who should be
uncommon. Synesthesia is judged for nothing but his
relatable to the effects of contribution to the creativity of
psychedelic drugs, only that Mas costumes and dancing
‘synesthetes’ or persons mobiles. ‘His 1987 band ‘Carnival
affected by the condition do is Colour’ was a sarcastic
not necessarily need response to criticisms that his work
inducement to ‘switch on’ the was not reflective of Carnival,’ with
phenomena. It is best Minshall claiming ‘That mas—
described as a melting ’living art that we make fresh every
together of two or more sensory functions and can year’—is the truest artistic expression of Trinidad.’
therefore, as in my case, lead to things like severe (attrib.). I believe he is right and the association between
migraine headaches and extreme sensory overload. I music and colour lends credence to that idea that, Minshall
happen to see colours when I hear music; they are himself is not only aware of the condition but employs that
very complex yet structured, beautiful yet comparable condition to provide ingenuity to the genre of Mas. Quite
to nothing I have seen on Earth. When I am writing often it is used as a tool of inspiration, though not one that
my sentences tend to take on a colour according to the is generally accredited to success because some schools of
words I use. There are even synesthetes who can thought do see it to be a credible scientific phenomenon.
‘taste’ music - certain notes and tones produce a taste If you are familiar with the music and the style of the
in their mouths. The films ‘What Dreams May Come’ British Goth Pop Band The Cure, you know that Robert
and ‘The Soloist’ may be the closest I can come to repeated the same chords in a variety of his work. I was
giving you, gentle reader, and a visual idea of the curious about that. The answer came in an article he wrote
experience. on ‘synesthesia’ - my first exposure to the subject. I felt
When I am in a dark room listening to music, it like I had found a kindred spirit. I reasoned that there had
takes on the form of three-dimensional, coloured to be musicians in the Caribbean community doing the
shapes and they seem to interact with me. Fatigue or same. Surely enough, Shadow’s ‘Dingolay’ album
inebriation tends to make the experience less contained the proof I wanted. Only someone who can see
overwhelmingly by dulling the senses, but they do not the colours in his music could identify the similarity in all of
stop or control the process. In another reference to the songs. I know that Shadow, too, experiences some form
psychedelics, Dr. Terrence McKenna once described of the condition. This repetition is not only recognizable in
that while under the influence of lysergic acid the melodies and bass lines but also in his lyrics.
diethylamide, or LSD, a diamond-covered, floating I pleasantly found myself in the company of most of
basketball would appear to him; that is the nearest I my favourite singers, songwriters, authors and poets like
have come to explaining the things I see. When I used Alfred Lord Tennyson, Edgar All Poe, Samuel Johnson,
to make mixed tapes in high school I had to colour- etc, all of whom I strongly suspected to have a small
code the selections on each side otherwise I would be measure of synesthesia. Two years ago the Discovery
left feeling nauseous and confused. Many times when Channel produced a documentary called ‘The Real
I bathe I turn the lights off, fill the tub with scalding hot Superhumans and the Quest for the Future Fantastic’ and
water that will sit above my ears, and relax as the the condition was toted as being a ‘super-power with
storm in my mind settles; I stop hearing anything at all, future implications.’ I don’t know about that - maybe if
except for the occasional dripping from the tap (which they are loosely comparing the event to infrared
does have a colour but fortunately one that gets technology, I might understand the motivation. I also
absorbed by the surrounding darkness). I never used suspect Roy Lichtenstein, one of a dying breed of
to be ashamed to tell people about it but my mother contemporary artists, to have a similar condition; Vladimir
Nabakov of ‘Lolita’ fame speaks about it in his
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010 9
10. HEALTHWISE
Jollof Rice - Kwanzaa Recipe:
One 2 to 3lb. chicken cut in pieces Sort and rinse the beans Combine the onions, for about 30 minutes until
put in large pot and cover garlic and ginger to the chicken is thoroughly cooked
3 tbsps. of freshly grated ginger
1 1/2 cups of crushed with water. skillet and cook for about and rice is tender.
tomatoes (canned are best) Bring water to a boil over 4 minutes until soft. Add LetJollofricesitfor15minutes
a high heat for 1 minute. in the curry powder and beforeservingtomakethemixture
2 1/2 cups of either brown or
white rice Remove the pot from the cayenne pepper and stir settle.
1 tbsp. of curry powder heat and let the beans sit for 1 additional minute. The way you cut your
1 cup of black eyed peas and soak for at least 1 Add the onion and garlic meat reflects the way
Cayenne pepper to taste hour, then drain well. mixture, the reserved you live. ~Confucius
1/2 pound of string (green) Place peas back in pot cooking liquid, tomato
beans, trimmed and cut into bit along with the 3 qts. of paste, crushed tomatoes Health Tip
3 qts. of water water and then bring to and salt to the pot and The medicinal properties of
4 to 6 cloves of garlic finely a boil. Lower to bring to a boil. Stir in the turmeric have been slowly
minced medium and cook 15 rice, peas and carrots and revealed over hundreds of
8 medium sized carrots cut into minutes. Drain peas return to a boil, then years. It has been long known
1/2 inch pieces once again, but reserve reduce heat to medium for its anti-inflammatory
5 qt. Dutch over or covered pot at least 4 cups of the and then cover and cook properties. Recently research
1/3 cup of oil cooking liquid. for about 10 minutes. has shown that turmeric is a
2 large onions chopped finely Brown the chicken on Put chicken in Dutch oven natural wonder, proving
all sides over a medium- and cook for another 15 beneficial in the
Salt to taste treatment of many
Large skillet high heat (you may have minutes.
to do this in batches). different health
5 qt. casserole dish Mix the string beans into
Remove and set aside conditions from cancer
Preheat the oven to 400 the chicken mixture and to Alzheimer’s disease.
on a plate. then transfer the contents Scientific America
into the casserole. Bake
cont’d from p9
autobiography; both Charles Baudelaire and Arthur
Rimbaud wrote of it in essays that date back as far 1857, introduces new challenges, sights, sounds, fears and hopes
and compelling reads that explore the topic fictionally are into one’s psyche, and there is beauty in a lot of it. At times
‘A Mango-Shaped Space’ by Wendy Mass and though, you might be afraid to turn off the lights - not every
Alexander Scriabin’s ‘Prometheus’. In the film ‘Close image you ‘hear’ in the dark is familiar, and not every familiar
Encounters of the Third Kind’, the army uses a keyboard image in the dark is welcome. Despite being a “condition,”
with notes that are represented by both sound and colours synesthesia is not a handicap or disability. It is simply a
to communicate with ‘aliens’. Virgin Records hip-hop different way of processing sensory information. A
artist Pharrell Williams has cited synesthesia as the axiom synesthete may feel a bit strange the first time she tries to
for his album ‘Seeing Sounds’, and prominent jazz describe the colors of her alphabet or the things she tastes
composer and pianist Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington when listening to music, but will typically embrace the
has also used it in his music. However, not every form of richness of the overall experience.
synesthesia is as indicative in the cultural arts; sometimes Editor’s Note.
specific locations or nature herself must act as a trigger. Thanks to Neil for sharing this personal story with Global Eyes
Maybe further studies may provide links to autism reader - it is fascinating and like me I am sure many of the
readers are hearing about this for the first time.
and dyslexia and save some poor child from getting licks; This is my simple religion. Provincial
reminds me of the way we used to, before our parents There is no need for
knew about lactose-intolerance. Synesthesia has proven temples; no need for
Council of Women
to help me remember things that others have long complicated philosophy. World Cafe
forgotten; I have heard it has something to do with the Our own brain, our own The Provincial Council of
heart is our temple; the Women sponsored a World
association of the colours we project upon certain philosophy is kindness.”
elements of the memory. I will never deny that, despite the Cafe style workshop as part of
Profound words from The
sickness that can come with it, there are also the its semi annual meeting held in
Dalai Lama.
Winnipeg recently.
therapeutic, non-drug related advantages. Every day life cont’d on p15
10 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
11. Guyanese Cultural Organization Honors Seniors
Ian Hope and his mother
Tom Millington flanked by two recent Guyanese arrivals.
He’s in heaven.
Mrs. Doris Kitts and a church friend (top left)
Three Guyanese women women (top and three Mr. Stanley Richmond (left)
community women from the Islands (r) wearing performance poet in Guyanese
their pretty smiles. community. He recites poem
GCO’s Annual Seniors Fall Supper was well learned in primary school from
attended. The food was good and the seniors memory most of the time.
were served in style. Mrs. Doris Kitt gave
renditions of some of her favourite hymns.
Can’t find a salon to do
justice to your hair?
Look no more!
Les Touche Salon
will send you satisfied everytime
4-555 Balmoral Ave
Hours: Mon. - Sat.
9 a.m - 7:00 p.m.
Phone: 947-5830
These are the people who do the leg work and the grease work to
make The GCO events happen. Gary Elbers, President (White shirt)
and his team of volunteers - What a team. They’ve done it again!
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010 11
12. Congress of Black Women’s Annual Kwanzaa celeration was a big hit
The Congress of Black Women of Canada, Manitoba The tradition features activities such as the lighting of a kinara
Chapter celebrated Kwanzaa on December 12 at the Wolsely (candle-holder) pouring libations to the ancestors, and feasting
Family place and made more than 30 boys and girls happy and giving of gifts.
with gifts and treats. The adults were treated to Jollof rice, Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the
chicken stew, fried plantain, cornbread and banana. Everyone seven principles, as follows:Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to
went home full of warm feelings of family, friendship and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
community. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name
Kwanzaa, is properly celebrated over a seven- ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves .Ujima
day period from December 26 to January 1. Each (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our
day focuses on one of the seven principles upon which community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’
this tradition hinges. Developed by Dr. Maulana problems our problems, and to solve them together. Ujamaa
Karenga in 1966 when Black Americans faced a lot (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores,
of racial violence, he needed to bring hope to the shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
people and felt that a a celebration such as Kwanzaa Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and
would give Blacks a higherpurposeandhope. developing of our community in order to restore our people to
In a recent interview he said ,“One of the most important things their traditional greatness. Kuumba (Creativity): To do always
I tried to do in creating Kwanzaa is to remind people of the as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our
importance of Africa.” Kwanzaa also coincides with the community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
celebration of “First Harvests” in African communities in Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people.
continental Africa. “We have the most ancient history of the Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best
world”he said and Kwanzaa is a time to meditate on the of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense
awesome meaning of being of African descent in the world.” said Dr. Karenga.
12 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
13. I Used to be Coloured but Now I’m Black
childhood memories, coming of age stories impressions
June Pepper Harris, The Chicago born musician and of other cultures and social and political events. I want
playwright was recently in Winnipeg to promote her to explain my heritage so that my family, all young artists
first autobiographical book, “I and particularly Black youth and other ethnic groups,
Used To Be Coloured, but Now through understanding our commonalities, might gain a
I’m Black.” This work focuses on heightened sense of humanity.”
the stable familial and religious As an internationally known entertainer, June has
influences upon the once child performed in theatres, night clubs, concerts (TV and
prodigy as she entered the Radio) in Canada, the USA, Spain, Scotland, Norway,
professional entertainment industry Sweden, Finland, Yugoslavia, Israel, Singapore, Jakarta,
and its challenges throughout the Qatar (UAR).
United States, Canada the effects Her varied performance history includes the Winnipeg
of racism in the industry with the International Jazz Festivals, Gas Station Theatre (Music
eventual amalgamation of Chicago Director and performer in Cradle)
musicians union locals 10 and 108 Walker Theatre – Journey to Freedom (Play and Music
during the height of racial unrest in Written by June Harris), – Readings included, at Colin
the 1950’s. It has been my good Jackson Theatre, Winnipeg and at the Manitoba
fortune that musicians the world over share a bond and Association of Playwrights. – Performances with ‘The
through our creativity help maintain civilization. Two of Festival Opera Company (chorus).
the eleven short stories include my performances in June read to enthusiastic audiences at Aqua book and
Qatar during 9/11 and one of my final European MacNally Robertson, Grant Park Location. The
performances in Norway around 1996. performance style readings included local writers -
Harris says “It was important for me to tell these first Beatrice Watson.
stories about my Chicago South-side origins,
Keeping you in the Mix
The Council of Caribbean Never Forgotten Finally a place for
Organizations of Manitoba is
NewY New Year’sDinner
ear’s Eve Eve A ceremony honoring immigrant men
hosting a the many missing and Immigrant CHAI Centre
Gala! Tickets for the dinner murdered Aboriginal 356 Hargrave Street
and dance are $35. Contact women and girls of Winnipeg
Chris Bellamy at 291-0199 for Manitoba will be held Phone: 415-2550
more information or to on Tuesday December winnipegchaicentre@gmail.com
purchase tickets. 21, 2010 from 10:30 to A 10-Week Program
be held on Saturday, Feb.
11:30 a.m. in the designed to help new
Rotunda at the 19, 2011
***** From 7:00 p.m. at the immigrant men
Legislative Building Friday Evenings
Haitian Independence Dance is REFRESHMENTS • Truth and Life Worship
Centre, 51 Richfield ave Registration in person on
being celebrated on January DRUM SONGS Friday Evenings
For more information: Featured artist is Pastor
1st. There will be an art Wendy Mitchell from the at the CHAI Centre
exhibit followed dinner and Nahanni.Fontaine@gov.mb.ca Sessions include, lecture,
United states of
dance held at 87 Walmer Mark your Calendar America. Admission group discussion, playing
Street in St. Boniface. Tickets $15.00 adults $10 and learning board games.
are $25. Contact 996-2611 The 30th Annual children (under 15)
for more information or to Black History
purchase tickets. Month Celebrations
Annual Gospel “When the power of love overcomes the
Concert – Heart, love of power, the world will finally know
Spirit and Soul will peace.” ~Jimi Hendrix
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010 13
14. Manitoba Homecoming -Bringing Equality Home Merry Xmas
Diane Dwarka Tantoo Cardinal Another year has passed
And we are facing
Another New Year
Maybe we can
Say a silent prayer
Maxine and To the unfortunate
Mel Macrae The down trodden
The little man
Dr. Jon Gerrard Constance Who struggles
Backhouse Congress raise To make ends meet
of Black awareness
And maybe
Women of the
Another sober prayer
murdered
and missing
To those who
Aboriginal Destroy our
Women in Environment
Canada. Our natural life
More Flora and fauna
than 900 women and men And pray for peace
LEAF Manitoba Chapter
participated in the For those war-mongering
celebrated the 25th Anniversary of
LEAF and the equality provision of breakfast celebration Countries around the globe
the Charter of Rights and Backhouse highlighted And finally for our own
Freedoms at its 20th annual the case of Canada’s In our beloved Guyana
person’s day breakfast 2010 with Rosa Parks – Viola For the end of violence
two dynamic speakers: Constance Desmond who stood up And peace between
Backhouse C.M.– A respected against racism and The major races
lawyer, author and educator. sexism in Nova Scotia And maybe
Backhouse is recognized for her long before Rosa Parks Reflect on our selves
dedication to human rights in sat down in the front of And ask if we
Betty Hopkins, the bus in Montgomery
Gemma Gay Canada and around the world. She Have made a mark
is internationally known for her Alabama. Tantoo And if not try to do
feminist research and publications on sex discrimination Cardinal spoke about her Better next year
and the legal history of gender and race in Canada and personal experiences Especially to our beloved
Tantoo Cardinal C.M., - Métis/Cree from northern fighting for Aboriginal Ones, relatives and friends
Alberta, mother, actor and writer, who used theatre to women’s rights and Merry Xmas to all
against racism of From my house
Aboriginal peoples in
George Hickes Canada. She touched on
To your house
And a fruitful 2011
MLA for Point Douglas many personal battles
she fought and about
Narine Datt
case of the missing
Aboriginal women and
girls.
Both women have
dedicated their lives to
equality and justice but
each acknowledged that
Constituency Office:
957 Main Street there is a lot more work
Phone: (204) 944-8379 to be done and our need
Room 244 to be vigilant
Narine Datt, Author,
Legislative Building Individuals named are Commercial Artist and former
some of LEAF teacher from Berbice Guyana.
Phone: (204) 945-4323 Manitoba Breakfast Books: Lonely Voice and
Residence phone: (204) 255-4325 volunteers Drink from my Calabash
14 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
15. WARRIORS BEHIND THE TRUMPET - Neil Pitamber
In a time of economical upheaval and emotional I know that mandate to be one of Troy’s main objectives,
withdrawal, I would have been amongst the last to support so let’s help him get here - as he rises, we rise Black people.
the idea (if polled) that shovelling snow can be as Black History Month is just around the bend, and it will be
therapeutic as a good massage (albeit with cold hands). - as it always is - a time of great reflection; we need to keep
So, how about it? There are other reasons to feel euphoric, our nibs inked and our copy books open, because history
too. Hopefully you have subscribed to the privilege by isn’t slowing down. Be a part of it, not apart from it. One
now, and have managed to fully peruse the previous issue of the more celebrated social champions in Toronto, love
of Global Eyes; you may agree that with a few more him or leave him alone, is Dudley Laws. Yes, there are
Shining Examples like my friend, Troy Osiname, we can times he can be a bit dramatic, but a sound from the depths
keep this influx of snow at bay all winter long. My fellow of his soul is always en route to collide with the next social
contributor, Robin Dwarka, captures the purity of a subject challenge - by virtue of freedom of speech, Dudley has a
as patiently and masterfully as one who extracts toxin from way of grating against the nerves. Beckett gave us, ‘Small
a cobra; she clears away antagonism from the community pin’; Bob Marley sang, ‘Small Axe’; Desmond Hoyte said,
body like societal anti-venom. My eyes are hungry to see ‘Slow Fire’; lost in the sawdust and shavings of time, truth
what this issue will feature from Robin on its historical menu. does not always find its way to the surface - it needs to be
Then we have Buddy - a man who is gifted with a plucked out.
human touch; if my generation thinks we are the only group We should feel thankful we have brethren out there
interested in a world of tolerance and change - we should who keep their ears perked, their antennas tuned in to every
have it in mind, at all times, that we have merely inherited frequency, their flint lying in wait of a visual spark, and their
the wheel. As Jah Yute chants, it is the elders who originally instincts resting on a hair’s trigger. The sheen and design of
set that ship into motion and we should honour them. a silver spoon will never betray the fact that the food it seats
Honour does not always mean falling to someone’s foot usually travels forth from an impoverished root; so if we do
and washing it with milk, or presenting them flowers every not educate ourselves, do not expect to learn what is
time one sees them in public. But, a little acknowledgement necessary to know - by default. The mind is flooded with
every now and then can help to keep a constructive mind daily waves of non-sensical, generic, platonic information,
on site; help to put a shifting train of thought back on and a lot of us could use a mental reboot. I know a great
track; consider that we do not need any more idle hands way to do that: by the simple fact that you are presently
on our hands. A hand that firmly grips a basketball has a following the lineage, being paved out by these words, each
better shot at a future, than one taking aim at it by squeezing slightly ahead of your own eyes and whispers, it is obvious
out the anatomy of a gun. Less shooting, less basket to me that you know the way, too - Global Eyes Magazine.
cases - am I wrong? Come read some.
Provincil Council of Women cont’d from p10
There were more than 50 participants including President
In Years To Come Neil Pitamber
of National Council of Women, Mary Scott representing
‘ I would lo ve for you to sleep awhile the breadth of the membership of the Council
So why not let’s just go to bed?’ The meeting dealt with issues ranging from women’s
Yeah, it was as sweet as it was wild health, organizational sustainability, economy, violence and
‘So why not we just let it end …?’ issues. Discussions took place around various
‘Love is not yet all that is ever true round tables. Participants had the choice of
So we should just put it to rest moving on to other areas of interests after 20
For the further I get into you minutes at one table. It was interactive and
I pull away from myself dynamic. People appeared to enjoy that style.
‘Well, it’s like going under slowly now Recommendations that came out of the
So why not let us get some sleep’ session will lay the groundwork of the
Incredulous as my eyes touch yours Council’s work for the next half of the year.
Somehow I feel too complete
‘Love is not yet all that is ever true
Nothing feels as genuine
But the further down I go into you
I can’t climb out the way I fell in
Not in the way I fell in -
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
Years ago 15
16. office every single day. You
don’t want to raise suspicions”
“I know that.”
“I think it’s best to wait until
you get some real bites before
going to Sgt. Daniels”
“I’m so excited Larry. I am
a private eye, how sweet is
that?”
“Come back to bed.”
“I can’t I’m up and I’m
going make myself a nice
cuppa tea and some floats to
go with that - to celebrate.”
“Ummh.. floats!”
“Yeah, I know it’s fattening
but it’s not like I have it
everyday.”
“I’m cool with that. I love
that stuff. My mom used to
make some bad floats and
served it up with fried saltfish
and onion on Sunday mornings
with chocolate tea. That was a
real treat - can we have
chocolate tea?”
“Sorry baby but I have some
Congo pump leaf it’s great
with milk and sugar.”
“Aaaight, if that’s the best
you can do.”
“You know they say that
Congo pump tea is a kind of
aphrodisiac.”
“I never heard such a thing
but old wives tales run amuck
back there.”
“So, what are you doing for
Christmas? Are you going to
spend it with your son and ex-
wife?”
“I have to spend sometime
Zizi cont’d from p 2 with my son, but I would like
Zizi and Boopy had a nice visit and Zizi picked up some Zizi stretched lazily to spend part of the day with
in bed, Leyroy next to her still fast asleep. She watches h him and smiles, rubs you. It’d be nice if you could
the tip of his nose with her forefinger and sighed with relief. get to know my son a little
Reflecting over her first assignment, Zizi was pleased with herself. She had better and he gets to know
gotten some useful leads and made her first contact in the underworld. She felt you too, I’m hoping we’d all
alive living dangerously. Although to the outside world Zizi presented herself as have to live together, in some
risque even as a child growing in the Caribbean, on the inside she was timid as a form one of these days.”
lamb and little things scared her. She had always tried to conquer of her fears Zizi smiled “Is that a pro-
because she knew it was keeping her back from her full potential. “Zizi, what posal Leyroy?”
are you doing up so early, are you going somewhere?” “There’s a standing proposal
I have to go into the office sometime today to see Sarg. I have to give him the for whenever you’re ready.”
“Let me sleep on that okay,
low down.”
about your son.”
“Just so you know, you’re under cover and you don’t have to report into the
16 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
17. SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE Neil Pitamber
I do have a bit of leeway with my editorials; let that on as there are those who try to move on, to something new,
fact satisfy the accusation. Let it also be known that not and CCOM has charged themselves with the duty of
everything one pens ultimately finds its way to print - marrying the two pots. In my village, we literally call that
that is also a self-sustaining fact. Those are things I blend, ‘kichri’; the Trinidadians use the word, ‘kurchur’ to
cannot affect in the slightest. There are times, however, describe familial confusion - so Caribbean people, how
one must push the envelope in order that its contents about we keep the kurchur on ice and dish out, instead, a hot
spill out into the public arena; in this article I want to say and healthy serving of kichri for everyone?
a few words about the Council of Caribbean I do not sit on the CCOM board, do not represent a
Organizations of Manitoba, Inc. If you have been as specific membership, and do not attend each and every
privileged as I have to know the heads of each member function (I haven’t been to any since the birth of our last
of this massive gestalt, you might understand their child), but that helps me to appreciate the value such
passion to keep the Caribbean torch ablaze. Unity is as individuals - who will do all of those things - bring to a culture
good as ours, have we the patience to save our words that so desperately needs their caress. Caribbean Shield may
the way we spend. stand facing a different front, but we are fighting just as much
It will take a bit more than rubbing our tongues for the culture to remain socially relevant; that our
against the roofs of our mouths, to clear a path for the contributions to the world may have their own place to go,
prodigal taste of unity, but I am deploring you all to give and meet others of their background and generation; three
this sample a try. The culture as we know it now is quarters of that battle will be lost if the CCOM building falls.
evolving, becoming something that hardly resembles the So I encourage you very strongly, get out there and support
way we once knew. Still there are those who try to hold our troops. We need you.
Plush Neil Pitamber
Yeah she’s as real in my mind as she is the blood
And she’s just as true as I need her to be
And she’s as soft in my thoughts as she is in the flesh
And she just as pure as I believe her to be
With plush black eyes who cut open as wide as night
Against the gleaming light falls
The birth of trembling shapes on white walls Cynthia Manswell Patricia Clements Charmaine Daley
I could get used to just losing myself
In between the two Charmaine Daley read a children’s
And she’s as splintered in my mind as in real life story of
Wilma
And she gets me as numb as I want to feel
Rudolph
And she splitting apart like hearts in my thoughts
about deter-
For there is only much left of myself to reveal mination and
With luscious black eyes who cut open as wide as night success by a
Against the gleaming light falls young black
The death of temporal shapes on white walls Cynthia Manswell was girl who was
I could get used to just losing myself responsible for getting told she may
In three aged words the toys and has always not walk.
Me with you … been a mover and The drum-
shaker with the mer and her
Kwanzaa celebrations. daughter
Christmas waves a She remembered past demonstrated
magic wand over this and present heroes. the principle of creativity. They are
world, and behold, Patricia Clements lights relatively newcomers to Canada
everything is softer and Neil Pitamber, a prolific
more beautiful. writer, poet and owner, the last red candle on and said they were happy to be
~Norman Vincent Peale Caribbean Shield the Kinara. part of Kwanzaa celebrations.
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010 17
18. Gaffin wid Buddy Feminism is
Transformational says
gift.
Happy holidays
Man doan change
Gloria Steinem
everyone, it’s dat Winnipeg was abuzz when news that Gloria Steinem
time a year again yuh know. Ah read
would be in Winnipeg to speak at the 81st Person’s Day
and meh goh seh an article nat lang
event sponsored by University of Brandon and some of the
it again, it’s when ago dat dis mo-
women’s groups in the area. Several car loads of women
I miss back home nogamy is a misfit
made the trip from Winnipeg to hear this iconic figure.
a lat. fuh human being. A pivotal figure in the women’s movement, Steinem
Ah could smell dat We ent hardwired fuh needed no introduction as she is still a commanding force
curried chicken and dis. in the women’s movement today.
chowmein wid strips a Eva see dat show Her speech was like a refresher course in feminism 101.
chicken breasts sea- called sista wives. De It was basic and she spoke as if having a conversation with
soned with fresh fine guy sitting like king pin friends beside a warm fire.
leaf thyme. Mammie, wide five wives and de Steinem noted that feminism is demonized and women
God rest her sou, had de okay wid dat. especially younger women hesitate to publicly embrace it
right touch, she knew I tink dese people are even when they subscribe to the content of feminism.
just how to mek honest and sensible nat “A person who believes in the full social equality of men
everyting taste special. like we people. We do and women is a feminist” she said “It is a transformational
Everybady de pun de de same damn ting but not a public relations movement” she said. She said the
bes behavior at pretend it nah exist. media (USA) describe feminist as male hating and we do
Christmus time an de Anyway tho temptin de no confront the media as to the reason why feminist are
generosity flowing like invitation is meh go pass described as such. Rush Limbaugh describes feminists as
wata. dis time. Meh bin deh feminazi. We are measured against 100 % and that is not
Ah wuz talkin to me las year aready an had a real,” she said.
Cont’d on p21
buddy pan de fone de gran time. Dose people
know how to relax man.
adda dey. De man is
pushing 50 an he still Everybady tekking it
ATTENTION
partying like crazy. He easy. Yuh goh to de Seeking Single Women .........
wukking fuh de big store and de salespeople - are you experiencing relationship challenges?
bucks so he tell me to tekking de sweet time to - are you ready for a life changing experience?
come down an he gon serve yuh an yuh dare - do you want to have the committed love
get me a ticket to some not fret, de just lef yuh
relationship that you long for?
hideout up Linden stewing de. It’s like de
gat too much weight on Join Relationship and Life Coach, Delia
Highway outta harms
de backside, de can’t Veronica Joseph, for this dynamic workshop that
way. Ah seh bye yuh
tekking yuh wife all de move fas. Bye luk dem will help you:
way up dere. He ask people nearly sen me - increase self love and self esteem
meh if ah getting dotish pressa up. Ah had to tell - gain additional insight and perspective
like de cold getting meh meself, calm down dese - release barriers and blockages that show up
head saf. He seh which people are oparating on in the form of toxic thoughts and people
man in he rite mine a different time zone in - recover from heartbreak
would drive to Timbuktu de slow lane. Some tings
- prepare yourself for soulmate love
wid he wife when dere’s neva change like de big
wutless laff a de market
When: January 20, 2011 9am - 12noon
Palm Court and Pegasus
woman, de big heart an Where: 302-1200 Portage Avenue
and decent niteclubs in
de city. Ah ketch wha de genarasity of owa Why: This is your life - register today!
he tellin me. He seh he people. Tek Care. How: Contact Delia at deliajoseph@mts.net
gat meh hooked up. If Cost: available to you for $87 or pre-pay by
yuh doan see me roun November 12 and receive a early bird rate of $67
hey, ah gan back home
fuh collect me frien’s
18 Global Eyes Magazine December 2010
19. THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT HOME’
An Interview with Percy ‘Piggy’ Villafana, on his confrontation with former T&T Prime Minister Patrick Manning
Neil: What really went down in Trinidad and Tobago P: No, I didn’t ask for any but if any monies are to
during this last election? be derived from this I would like it to be donated to
Percy: I was at Maracas and I heard that the Prime the San Juan RC Church and to the building of a
Minister, Patrick Manning, was going to do a library on San Juan Hill, to be called the ‘San Juan
‘walkabout’ in San Juan. This Hill Library’.
is a political gimmick and I N: It was something seeing your
wasn’t prepared to help Mr. face on the Manitoba All-Fours
Manning with his trickery. website - pictures with you and
When he came by, I put my young girls on the beach, holding
hands up in a cross and told up your hands in a cross - but that
him he wasn’t welcome, to isn’t really you as far as I am
keep out. He looked at me as concerned. Or is it?
if I was joking. I held him by his P: In a way, yes. I was in Tobago
shoulders and got him out of the and the girls wanted to make sure
way and told him ‘please they had taken a picture with a
understand me’ - the sign means celebrity (laughs)
to keep away evil spirits and ‘D N: What is your greatest hope
Devil’. Without fighting he went for Trinidad and Tobago?
on his way. P: My greatest hope is that they get a handle on the
N: What prompted your refusal to accommodate him? crime situation, create more jobs; and peace and
P: I don’t like the man in general. I find him to be very harmony for the people. That Peace and harmony
arrogant. The way he looks down at people and talks will prevail; that the government under Kamela
to people is not nice and because of the corruption. Persad-Bissessar will bring about the change they
N: There was an issue specific to San Juan that promised and prove to the non-believers that the
apparently upset you - what was it? coalition of the Peoples Partnership could work.
P: I was upset to see people sleeping on the sidewalks, N: Is there anything else you would like to say
filthy plugged drains and the garbage thrown about while Global Eyes Readers?
he’s spending millions of dollars to put up buildings that P: I would like people from the Caribbean living in
are more than 50 percent empty and not addressing the these parts, especially Trinbagonians, to realize what
country’s problems. went on with past PNM government. To look at
N: Did Manning push you, or was that media the plans of the new government, and do whatever
propaganda? they can to support the PP and to help bring about a
P: He didn’t touch me. change - a change that is so badly needed. And to
N: Why do you think the papers reported that he did? bring about success to the country we all so greatly
P: The ‘Prime Minister Push De Man’ - that’s big news, love. Amen
but he never touched me.
N: Do you acknowledge your role in the fall of Adorable twins
Manning’s government, that you were ‘the straw that
broke the camel’s back’?
P: People say this and I have to believe it because this is
what happened. I did not plan this but I am extremely
happy about it and will gladly do it again if needs be.
N: Did Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s party contact you?
Did you support her party?
P: No, they did not contact and I supported them.
UNC invited me to their rally in Chaguanas, and a final
rally in Aranguz. I joined Mr. Herbert Volney in his walk
to St. Joseph. I also attended a political meeting in
Curepe.
N: Did you receive any payment?
Just for being so cute
Global Eyes Magazine December 2010 19